How a white man became the revered chief of Zambia’s Lunda tribe, sparking controversy

In many African tribes and communities, traditional leaders are typically chosen from specific family lineages, adhering strictly to established customs. However, in the Lunda tribe of the Ikelengi District in Zambia’s North Western Province, where pineapples thrive, a unique story unfolded.

Traditionally, the path to becoming a chief in this region is limited to sons, nephews, or occasionally daughters of a preceding chief. Yet, the arrival of Peter Fisher in Zambia reshaped this narrative.

Affectionately known as Chindeli cha ka Lunda—the white Lunda chief—Peter Fisher was crowned Nyamwana in 2016, a title honoring his family’s steadfast support for the local community. His full title is His Royal Highness Mwanta Nyamwana, sub-Chief of the Lunda people of Ikeleng’i District, North Western Province, Zambia.

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Peter’s coronation, which occurred four years ago, drew nearly all Lunda chiefs from the Ikelengi and Mwinilunga districts, along with Senior Chief Kanongesha, who oversees both areas. This unusual turn of events followed the passing of Peter’s Israeli parents, who had lived in Mwinilunga. Peter was reportedly adopted by the late Chief Nyamwana, who, lacking a son, named Peter as his heir.

Though his role is largely ceremonial, Peter Fisher’s ascension was not entirely unexpected. The Fisher family, who arrived in Zambia when it was still Northern Rhodesia, is a well-known name in Ikelengi and Mwinilunga, according to The Times of Zambia.

Adding to this fascinating story, a report by the Zambian Observer notes that Peter’s children, Peter and Andy, are also fluent in Lunda.

The Fisher surname has roots in England, dating back to the 1200s, originally referring to those who fished or sold fish. Despite this heritage, Peter refuses to be called “Chindeli,” a term used in Lunda to describe white people, and reportedly speaks little English.

Historical accounts suggest that the Fishers were among the first missionaries to enter Zambia, arriving via South Africa and making their way to the remote Kelene Hills, in the country’s northwestern corner.

In a video interview on September 13, 2022, Peter, as Chindeli cha ka Lunda, urged his people to protect their culture and homeland for future generations.

His story sparked diverse reactions online. One commenter, @charlesmang, remarked, “This is good. Thinking of going to Ikelenge to visit his royal highness. I’m black, but not all Zambians are. The PF-Led racists rejected Guy Scott… You reap what you sow.”

Another, @lateblossom, noted, “He certainly sounds like a Zambian. If I had only heard him speak, I would not have believed he was white.”

However, @undanitembo expressed concern, saying, “The fact that you all allowed this foolishness to happen is astounding. This is exactly how colonialism happened the first time. Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it. Smh.”

Similarly, @prettynerd4779 voiced worries: “I think Zambia is beautiful, but I’m unsure as a black foreigner… I have seen white chiefs, white bus conductors when 60% of black Zambians are unemployed, and the hiring of Chinese police officers, which was scrapped. It worries me that anyone can come in and do seemingly anything… I sincerely hope that I am wrong about that last part, but IDK…”